News from the Washington State Human Rights Commission
Statement from Executive Director Andreta Armstrong
Tuesday, September 10, 2024Dear Community,
We are pleased to share some exciting news from the Washington State Human Rights Commission. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our entire team, we are reaching a significant milestone with the development of our new online case management system.
This new system represents a major advancement in our ability to serve you. It’s designed to streamline our processes and improve how we support complainants, their representatives, and respondents. We are currently finalizing preparations for staff training and testing, and we plan to launch our updated website in mid-October. This will include comprehensive instructions and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure effective use of the new platform.
We believe this upgrade will enhance our services and make our interactions with you more efficient and effective. We look forward to sharing more details as we approach the launch.... more
Human Rights Commission Dinner in Spokane
Monday, August 5, 2024 "On June 4, the Washington State Human Rights Commission’s office leadership visited Spokane and had a gathering with various individuals, including Spokane city officials, members of the Police Ombuds, members of the city’s Human Rights Commission, Spokane NAACP and other distinguished guests."Reporting from Natasha Hill at The Black Lens
Washington State Combined Fund Drive 40th Anniversary Celebration & Pickleball Tournament
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 You're invited to celebrate 40 years of giving with the Washington State Combined Fund Drive! Enjoy fun activities, raffles, and mingle with charities as we come together to commemorate 40 years of generosity while joining together to create vibrant and thriving communities. Click here for info.Washington Pow Wow Calendar
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Did You Know:
There are thousands of Pow Wows held across North America?
- Community is welcome. Events are free.
- They are held in all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
- Pow Wow Calendar
Washington State DEI Empowerment Conference 2024
Thursday, May 23, 2024 Olympia:- 1500 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 (conference room 1213) *light refreshments*
- 212 Maple Park Ave SE Olympia, WA 98501 (ESD Building - 4th floor, Perkins Room)
- Yakima / Union Gap: 1205 Ahtanum Ridge Dr. Union Gap, WA. 98903 (Yakima WorkSource – main conference room)
- Spokane Valley:16201 E Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (Office of Administrative Hearings) *light refreshments and free parking*
Washington State DEI Empowerment Conference 2024 | Office of Financial Management
$30,000 grant advances civil rights education in rural Washington (February 7, 2024)
Monday, May 20, 2024 The Inatai Foundation granted $30,000 to the Terry Buffington Foundation to advance its workWashington's new laws in 2024
Monday, May 20, 2024- SB 5462: Public schools in Washington must now teach students about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and their perspectives
- SB 5778: Employers can no longer require employees to join meetings that discuss their religious or political views.
When is Human Rights Day 2024?
Monday, May 20, 2024 Human Rights Day is observed on December 10th each year. It serves as a day to reflect on the progress made in promoting human rights and to highlight the challenges that persist. The day also honors the individuals and organizations working tirelessly to protect and advocate for human rights.When sharing your support for human rights and participating in discussions related to Human Rights Day, consider using these relevant hashtags:
- #HumanRights
- #Equality
- #SocialJustice
- #UDHR
- #StandUpForRights
- #Inclusion
Human Rights Day 2024 - Awareness Days Events Calendar 2024
Heritage Months 2024
Monday, May 20, 2024 Heritage Months:- January (Martin Luther King, Jr. History)
- February (African American/Black History)
- March (Women's History)
- May (Asian American and Pacific Islander History)
- June (LGBTQ+ Pride)
- September (Hispanic Heritage)
- October (Disability Employment Awareness)
Heritage Months 2024 (diversityresources.com)
Human Rights Day 2024 - Awareness Days Events Calendar 2024
April is Fair Housing Month
Monday, March 27, 2023
April is Fair Housing Month 2023
April is Fair Housing Month because, on April 11, 1968, President Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act of 1968 after months of ideological gridlock. The legislative breakthrough came only when, on April 4th of that year, the Act's champion, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was murdered in Memphis. The mission of the WSHRC is to eliminate and prevent discrimination in the Washington State through the fair application of the law, efficient use of resources, and establishment of productive partnerships in the community.
Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) partners with the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities by leading the nation in the enforcement, administration, development, and public understanding of federal fair housing policies and laws.
WSHRC and HUD FHEO’s partnership activities include investigating fair housing complaints and managing fair housing grants.
There are also fair housing organizations and other non-profits that receive funding from HUD through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) and partner with WSHRC. FHIPs assist people who believe they have been victims of... more
